Shield AI

Builds autonomous aircraft for defense

Propulsion Manager - Test

PropulsionConfirmed live in the last 24 hours

Full-timeSeattle, WA, USAIn-person

About the Job

Requirements

A bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline is required.
Seven to ten or more years of experience in propulsion testing or aerospace development programs is required.
Strong understanding of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and aerospace propulsion fundamentals is required.
Strong understanding of gas turbine engine testing, instrumentation, transient response, and propulsion system integration is required.
Hands-on experience designing or operating propulsion test stands and facilities is required.
Experience leading technical teams and coordinating complex test operations is required.
U.S. citizenship or the ability to comply with International Traffic in Arms Regulations requirements is required.

Responsibilities

Lead propulsion test planning and execution from component-level development through flight readiness.
Oversee the design, analysis, and construction of propulsion test stands, fixtures, instrumentation systems, and safety systems.
Support propulsion responsible engineers in defining test objectives, instrumentation strategies, and data analysis methodologies.
Guide teams through propulsion thermodynamic analysis, transient characterization, thermal performance evaluation, and operability validation.
Drive root cause investigations and rapid troubleshooting efforts during testing activities.
Coordinate test schedules, facility readiness, staffing, and supplier support.
Ensure propulsion testing aligns with vehicle-level milestones and program priorities.
Lead development of test processes, standards, and operational best practices.

Desired Qualifications

Ability to obtain a Sensitive Compartmented Information/Special Access Required level security clearance.
Experience testing fighter-class or low-bypass turbofan propulsion systems.
Familiarity with Python, REFPROP, GFSSP, ANSYS, finite element analysis, or propulsion performance analysis tools.
Experience with controls integration, thrust-vector control testing, transient characterization, or operability mapping.
Background in rocket propulsion testing or hot-fire development environments.
Experience operating in hardware-centric, test-driven aerospace organizations.
A master's or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering or a related discipline.

Salary Range: 190000 to 290000 (Currency: USD) (Pay period: per-year-salary)

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.

Job Description:

We are seeking a Manager of Propulsion to lead propulsion test development and execution for the X-BAT vehicle, powered by a fighter-class, afterburning jet engine. This role oversees propulsion test infrastructure, engine testing, subsystem validation, and flight test support activities required to mature propulsion hardware from development through operational readiness.

You will lead a team of propulsion test engineers and technicians responsible for designing, building, and operating propulsion test stands and facilities supporting engine, fuel, oil, bleed air, and TVC systems. This role requires strong technical leadership, operational awareness, hands-on involvement in testing activities, and the ability to rapidly solve complex technical problems in demanding test environments.

What you'll do:

Lead propulsion test planning and execution from component-level development through flight readiness.

Oversee the design, analysis, and construction of propulsion test stands, fixtures, instrumentation systems, and safety systems.

Support propulsion REs in defining test objectives, instrumentation strategies, and data analysis methodologies.

Guide teams through propulsion thermodynamic analysis, transient characterization, thermal performance evaluation, and operability validation.

Drive root cause investigations and rapid troubleshooting efforts during testing activities.

Coordinate test schedules, facility readiness, staffing, and supplier support.

Ensure propulsion testing aligns with vehicle-level milestones and program priorities.

Lead development of test processes, standards, and operational best practices.

Required qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related engineering discipline.
7-10+ years of experience in propulsion testing or aerospace development programs.
Strong understanding of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and aerospace propulsion fundamentals.
Strong understanding of gas turbine engine testing, instrumentation, transient response, and propulsion system integration.
Hands-on experience designing or operating propulsion test stands and facilities.
Experience leading technical teams and coordinating complex test operations.
U.S. Citizenship or ability to comply with ITAR requirements.
Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance desired.

Preferred qualifications:

Experience testing fighter-class or low-bypass turbofan propulsion systems.

Familiarity with Python, REFPROP, GFSSP, ANSYS, FEA, or propulsion performance analysis tools.

Experience with controls integration, TVC testing, transient characterization, or operability mapping.

Background in rocket propulsion testing or hot-fire development environments.

Experience operating in hardware-centric, test-driven aerospace organizations.

M.S. or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering or related discipline.

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Full-time regular employee offer package:

Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity

Temporary employee offer package:

Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)

Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.

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Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.

About the Company

Shield AI

Builds autonomous aircraft for defense

Shield AI builds autonomous aircraft and flight software for military and allied defense customers, with a focus on operations where conventional remote control breaks down. Its Hivemind AI pilot handles decisions during a mission, while the V-BAT aircraft gathers intelligence and locates targets. Aircraft makers use its software tools to develop and test their own autonomy, and its Aechelon business supplies visual and sensor simulation for pilot training. The company earns money from aircraft sales, autonomy software and contracted engineering and operational services. Shield AI was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in San Diego, California.

Company size: 1,001-5,000
Company stage: Series G
Total funding: $3.3B
Headquarters: San Diego, CA
Founded: 2015

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